Chapter twenty-eight

The homecoming

Within two days, Jeanette was permitted to return to her room next to Chet and Sarah was doing very well.

Chet had also received some terrific news. He'd been told that the graft was doing so well, as was his general condition was doing so well, that if he wanted he could be discharged the following Monday along with Jeanette.

Sarah would be spending at least seven more days in the incubator. Plus, as was normal, her weight had dropped to 3lbs 10oz and the doctor would not release until she was at least 5lb. But otherwise, she was doing great.

Chet had found out that Sarah Anne Kelly was born Wednesday, April 4, 1979 at 7:05pm. He had called a friend of his who did engraving and had ordered a little fire engine made with Sarah Anne Kelly, April 4, 1979, 21 inches, 5 lbs 8 ozs 7:05pm engraved on it. He knew Jeanette would love this.

The doctors informed Chet and Jeanette he could be discharged Monday, April 9, the same day as Jeanette. Chet was overjoyed.

"Really! I am finally able to go home for REAL! I can't believe it! I was beginning to think this was my new home."

Jeanette, although overjoyed, felt a little sad because she knew that she would not be taking Sarah home yet, but she would not let Chet know.

She was going over every four hours to pump her breasts and visit with her daughter, so she decided to try to find out when she could come home.

Luckily on her next visit, with Chet in tow, they encountered Dr. Jamison, Sarah's pediatrician, who listened to the concerned parents and answered their questions as honestly as he could.

"Well, Chet, Jeanette. Sarah is coming along nicely, but her weight is still too low for discharge. When you see her, she will be in a regular crib as her color has improved greatly.

"Hopefully her weight will stabilize by next Thursday or Friday and you will be able to take her home then, ok? Any other questions?"

Chet and Jeanette smiled at each other, and Chet asked, "OK, just one question. Will there be any long-term complications from any of this?"

"No, Chet, there should not be. Other than the jaundice and low birth weight, Sarah Anne Kelly seems to be a very healthy little girl. You have been blessed."

Chet and Jeanette felt very relieved to hear this and the next few days went off without any problems.

On Monday at 10am, both Jeanette and Chet were discharged and went to visit Sarah before going home. Both Chet and Jeanette were able to hold her and were elated to hear her weight was stabilizing. She now weighed 4lbs8ozs and had not lost any weight over the weekend, so hopefully Dr. Jamison was right.

They then went to the lobby to meet Denny who was escorting the couple home.

Upon their arrival, they were greeted by their parents and all of Station 51 with a lovely WELCOME HOME sign in the front of the house. The group had prepared a little party for them and a good time was had by all.

Although everyone was a little disheartened to learn that Sarah had to stay in the hospital a few more days, especially Timmy, they were all glad to see Chet and Jeanette, especially Chet well again.

"Hey, Cap."

"Yeah, Chet?"

"I got a complete clean bill of health and can get back to active duty as soon as I get the ok from HQ. Do you think it'll take long?"

"OH NO, does that mean the Phantom is coming back to haunt me?" Johnny shouted.

At this, little Timmy looked at Johnny and said, "Just you remember what I said, Uncle Johnny, don't you do nothin' to hurt my dad or I'll get you!"

Everyone laughed and Chet said, "Yeah, that's right, Gage. I've got me a guardian angel right here lookin' out for me."

"Well, Chet, me love, looks like you have more than one guardian angel if you ask me." His mom retorted, "And thank God that you do."

"Amen to that!" Everyone present shouted, making Chet blush.

"But Cap, seriously, when do you think I would be able to return? Will I have to do any recertifying? I mean, it's been a long time."

"Well, Chet, I did check this out, knowing how anxious I knew you'd be. You see, Dr. Brackett had called me and told me the good news. We really do miss you, pal. According to HQ, the only thing you need do is to prove you can handle the hose, heat and climbing. The battalion chief has told me you can do that any time before your next shift. When you are ready, let me know. OK?"

"OK! When is the next shift, Cap?"

"Tomorrow, Chet,. a little too soon, wouldn't you say? The next shift after that is the weekend. Why not try to make it for that? If you want, I will call HQ and tell to expect you Thursday."

"Well, I am not really sure, cause the baby is due home this week."

"Plus, Chet, I really think maybe taking a week off might be a good idea, don't you agree, Roy?"

"Yes, Jeanette, I do. Why push yourself, guy? You know you always have a place with us."

Finally agreeing, Chet said he would call HQ on Monday and set it us.